THE Provincial Government of Pampanga and the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) awarded on Monday, December 3, a total of P22.3 million to some 2,604 beneficiaries of the Special Program for Employment for Students (Spes) and Tulong Panghanapbuhay Sa Ating Disadvantage/Displaced (Tupad).
Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda together with Dole Central Luzon Regional Director Maria Zenaida Angara-Campita, Provincial Employment and Services Office (Peso) Head Luningning Vergara, provincial board members, mayors, local chief executives, department heads, and other government representatives turned witnessed the activity.
During the opening, some 1,184 Spes recipients received a total of P10.7- million or P9,073.60 each as salary for rendering administrative services while allowing them to immerse in their respective fields of study.
Meanwhile, at least 1,420 Tupad workers were given a total of P5.6- million while 250 selected members of Sampaguita growers from Lubao, Floridablanca and Guagua were provided P2-million worth of livelihood.
Similarly, a livelihood program amounting to P4-million was provided to 17 “bigasan” in barangays, 100 scavengers, four groups of micro enterprises and hollow block makers as their source of additional income.
The Pampanga government has been partnering with DOLE since the program was introduced, in fact, 40 percent of the salary is shouldered by DOLE while 60 percent is funded by the provincial government.
“Do you know Dole gives us almost P100 million?” Pineda said.
For her part, Angara-Campita lauded the continuous efforts of Governor Pineda in ensuring timely and speedy delivery of financial assistance and services to the marginalized sector in Pampanga.
This year’s theme “Pamagdatila King Pamanang Kapampangan” centers on the province’s rich tradition, culture and history. (PR)